Biomechanics Of Dance

This book provides a detailed theoretical analysis of human movement, building from simple physical models to more complex analyses (e.g. Lagrangian mechanics) and biomechanical models, including forces internal to the body. The book integrates principles of Physics with the functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems to understand how movement in general, and dance movements specifically, can be executed.

In the last few years, concerns about dancers’ health and the consequences of physical training have increased considerably. The physical requirements and type of training dancers need to achieve to reach their highest level of performance while decreasing the rate of severe injuries has awakened the necessity of more scientific knowledge concerning the area of dance, in part considering its several particularities. Scientific Perspectives and Emerging Developments in Dance and the Performing Arts is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research designed to reduce the gap between the scientific theory and the practice of dance. While highlighting topics such as burnout, mental health, and sport psychology, this publication explores areas such as nutrition, psychology, and education, as well as methods of maintaining the general wellbeing and quality of the health, training, and performance of dancers. This book is ideally designed for dance experts, instructors, sports psychologists, researchers, academicians, and students.

Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology will help dancers learn anatomical and biomechanical principles as they apply to dance performance. The text focuses on optimal dance movement and the related principles for understanding the function of body joints. And by applying those principles, dancers can help reduce their risk of injury and enhance their performance longevity. Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology includes special practical applications: Concept Demonstrations provide hands-on exercises to try. Tests and Measurements are specific to selected regions of the body. Dance Cues help analyze cue effectiveness and promote optimal movement execution. Study Questions and Applications help apply chapter concepts Attachments provide the pronunciations, attachments, and key actions of the primary muscles covered in this text. This text offers valuable scientific knowledge and understanding for dancers, helping them to blend anatomical and kinesiological principles with artistic expression. Such a blend of science and art will empower dancers to realize their potential and expand their artistic vision.

Karen Clippinger’s first edition of Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology was hailed as the definitive text on the topic. This new edition builds on that success by retaining its scientific perspective while making the material more accessible to students and teachers. What’s New? • A suite of online instructor and student ancillaries to support the text • An improved organization that will help teachers better cover the content in their courses • A reduction of the scientific depth to produce a more reader-friendly book that focuses on the musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology that dancers need to know • Graphics, photos, and anatomical illustrations that demonstrate muscle movements and technique considerations and set the book apart from others in its field Primary Focus While much is new in this second edition, Clippinger retains her emphasis on presenting the anatomical and kinesiological material that is essential for dancers to understand. The text includes descriptions of joint structure, key muscles, common alignment problems, select joint mechanics, and movement analysis and includes sample strength and flexibility exercises for each region of the body. Accessible to a Wider Audience Clippinger has made this second edition more engaging to a wider audience and narrowed the scope of the material so it can be more readily covered in a single undergraduate course. And while many of the text examples are dance-specific, its applied nature and its many illustrations make it a great reference for Pilates, yoga, and fitness instructors as well as dance educators and dedicated dancers. New Ancillaries • An instructor guide featuring a sample syllabus and course outline, chapter outlines, lab assignments, answers to review questions, and sample tests • A presentation package providing slides with text and graphics that reinforce key points • A student web resource including assignments, outlines, study sheets, and 20 video clips that demonstrate technique and correction guidelines This new edition will give teachers a clearer picture of the anatomical and kinesiological factors that aid in generating technique cues and identifying technique problems. It will provide dancers with a better understanding of overcoming technique challenges and preventing injuries. Its solid grounding in the sciences, along with the art and accessible text, will help teachers become more effective and empower dancers to realize their potential and artistic vision. Quotes The first edition of Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology was hailed by reviewers as “most likely to become the definitive text in dance anatomy, kinesiology, and conditioning classes” (Journal of Dance Medicine and Science); “a must for any dance teacher who is serious about helping their students” (Australia Dance Teacher Magazine); and “the most substantive dance science resource to date” (Journal of Dance Education).

This book applies basic principles of physics to the art of dance, opening up anew level of appreciation for lovers of the form. Using simple, nontechnical terms, Laws and Harvey describe how those laws affect dancing bodies.--[book cover].

Intended for dance teachers and students, and serves as a reference for dance professionals. This text covers the basic anatomical and biomechanical principles that apply to optimal performance in dance. It focuses on skeletal and muscular systems to provide readers with the understanding needed to improve movement and reduce injuries.